A
mong the many joys of model railroading, along with
planning, constructing and operating a model railroad
empire, are the camaraderie and friendships that stem
from this wonderful hobby. Since I began modeling in 2004,
I've met many remarkable people, all of whom I admire not
only for their abilities as modelers, but as uniquely interesting,
skilled, and generous individuals.
Two modelers, in particular, one in HO, the other in O scale, I
now count among my closest friends. Indeed, they've become
like family to me. Both have contributed significantly to my
own development as a modeler. To return the favor, I'd like to
"pay it forward" and introduce them to readers of MRH, begin-
ning with this interview with Jim Ferguson about his Great
Northern Railway.
A world-class layout over two decades in
the making ...
1: Goodyear Tire Company loading dock, Eaton, Oregon
.
1
Gustav:
Many of us become model railroaders because of an early
experience with either model trains, real trains or both. What
experiences eventually culminated in this magnificent layout?
Jim:
I got into model railroading when I was 12, with a Lionel set.
The track was on an old dining room table in the basement of our
farmhouse in Indiana. It was about 5' x 9'. I got pretty good at dec-
orating it and making it look like a real railroad. When I joined the
Navy I had to leave it behind, and my two younger brothers, alas,
they weren't interested in working on or maintaining the layout
and they eventually destroyed it.
Gustav:
Did you find space and time for a layout during your
career in the Navy?
Jim:
Obviously, there's hardly an opportunity in the Navy to have
a model railroad. I managed the catapults and arresting gear on a
number of aircraft carriers. On board the ship, my personal space
Jim Ferguson’s GN - 2
MRH-Oct 2013
